5.0(4 Reviews)Private Tarpon Charter | Anna Maria Island
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target giant tarpon with expert captains in Gulf watersFish from fully equipped vessel accommodating up to 5 guestsProfessional guidance and quality gear provided for all levels
There's nothing quite like the raw power of a tarpon when it explodes out of the water. Captain Andrew from Chasing Limits Charters has been putting anglers on these silver kings off Anna Maria Island for years, and he knows exactly where to find them. This 4 to 6-hour private charter takes you into the Gulf of Mexico's prime tarpon grounds, where these legendary fish stage up in the nearshore waters and coastal passes. With professional gear, expert guidance, and a comfortable boat built for fishing, you'll have everything you need to tangle with one of Florida's most iconic game fish.
Your day starts early when tarpon are most active, usually around sunrise when the Gulf is calm and the fish are feeding. Captain Andrew runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting his guests on fish fast. The boat is fully rigged with quality tackle designed to handle the brutal runs and acrobatic jumps that tarpon are famous for. You'll fish the productive waters around Anna Maria Island's passes, flats edges, and nearshore structure where these fish congregate. The Gulf breeze keeps things comfortable, and the scenery along this stretch of Florida's coast is second to none. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Captain Andrew adjusts his approach to match your skill level while maximizing your chances of hooking up.
Tarpon fishing requires specific techniques that Captain Andrew has mastered through years on these waters. Live bait is king when targeting silver kings - expect to fish with crabs, pinfish, and threadfins depending on what's working that day. The captain handles all the chumming and bait preparation, keeping a steady stream of scent in the water to draw fish to the boat. Heavy spinning gear and conventional reels are standard, rigged with 30-50 pound test and circle hooks to increase your chances of a solid hookset. The key to tarpon success is patience and proper technique - these fish have bony mouths, so timing your hookset is critical. Captain Andrew coaches you through every step, from the initial bite to fighting these powerful fish without breaking them off on their legendary jumps.
"Captain Andrew was GREAT… we booked a tarpon trip and although we only caught one, it was so worth it! What an Amazing experience… would definitely book again…" - Amy Goodell "My previous charter got cancelled due to the weather earlier on in the week. Came across Andrew and decided to book very last minute. We all had little to no fishing experience but Andrew was patient and helped the whole time. We frequently changed spots if nothing bit and he constantly chummed the water." - Jay "our trip started at 8:00 and we were catching fish by 8:08. 6 hour trip and were catching fish at nearly every spot. he hussled to get us on snook and redfish. wound up into alot of snook, cobia, snapper, and others. ill be going back out with him." - Greg
Tarpon are the main event here, and for good reason. These silver giants can reach 6-8 feet long and weigh over 150 pounds, making them one of the most powerful fish in the Gulf. Peak tarpon season runs from April through August, with May and June offering the most consistent action. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their attitude. When hooked, they go ballistic, launching themselves completely out of the water in a series of gill-rattling jumps that'll test your drag and your nerves. The fight can last 30 minutes or more, and even experienced anglers get humbled by these fish.
Gag grouper are another world-class target that frequent the same waters. These bottom dwellers hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad tails and thick bodies to bulldoze toward structure. Most gags in these waters run 15-25 pounds, with larger fish topping 30 pounds. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, making them perfect targets when tarpon aren't around.
Snook are the inshore slam favorite that loves the passes and mangrove edges around Anna Maria Island. These ambush predators have that distinctive black lateral line and a mouth like a bucket - once they eat your bait, they're usually hooked good. Snook hit like freight trains and make blistering runs toward cover, testing your drag and your ability to turn them before they cut you off. They're active year-round but really turn on during summer months.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can show up anytime during the warmer months. These brown sharks (that's what locals call them) are curious fish that often swim right up to the boat. They're aggressive feeders that'll eat live bait, jigs, or anything else that looks tasty. Cobia fight with a combination of power and endurance, making long runs and using their broad heads to shake the hooks. Most fish here run 20-40 pounds, making them a legitimate trophy catch.
Captain Andrew's tarpon charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the silver kings are stacked up off Anna Maria Island. This private charter accommodates up to 5 anglers, making it perfect for family groups or fishing buddies who want a personalized experience. The boat stays busy year-round targeting different species as they move through these waters, so there's always something biting. Whether you're after that bucket-list tarpon or just want to get bent on some quality Gulf Coast fish, this is the charter that delivers. The combination of local knowledge, quality gear, and a captain who genuinely cares about putting his guests on fish makes this a customer favorite that anglers return to season after season.
Get ready to chase tarpon aboard this well-equipped 24' Privateer center console that's built for serious Gulf fishing. The 300 Yamaha engine gets you out to the productive nearshore waters quickly, while the fish finder helps locate those silver kings lurking in the passes around Anna Maria Island. With space for up to 5 anglers, this boat handles the choppy Gulf swells with ease and gives everyone room to fight these acrobatic giants. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning over structure, and the onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. GPS navigation ensures your captain can hit all the best tarpon holes, from the deep channels to the grass flats where these monsters feed. The center console design provides 360-degree fishing access, perfect when a 100-pound tarpon starts jumping and running line. Wheelchair accessible setup means everyone can experience the rush of hooking into Florida's most prized gamefish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious brown sharks look-alikes that average 30-50 pounds, but can reach over 100 pounds around our Gulf waters. They're typically solitary fish found cruising reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet of water from spring through fall. What makes cobia fishing exciting is they're often sight-fished - you'll spot them swimming just under the surface and cast ahead of them. They hit hard and fight with surprising power for their size, making strong runs and testing your drag. The bonus is they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that's prized by restaurants. Bucktail jigs in 4-8 ounces work great, but they'll also take live bait like crabs or eels. Pro tip: when you see one, get your bait in front of it quickly - they're naturally curious and will often investigate anything that moves, but they spook easily if you take too long.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of the Gulf's best-eating fish, averaging 20 inches but can reach up to 57 inches and 80 pounds. These bottom dwellers love rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water around Anna Maria Island. They're ambush predators that'll slam live pinfish, mullet, or cut bait hard, then immediately try to drag you back to their rocky hideout. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them tricky is their habit of running straight for cover once hooked - you've got to lock down that drag and horse them up fast. The fight might not be flashy, but they're bulldogs that test your tackle. Pro tip: look for stone crab traps - gag grouper hang around them feeding on crabs and other crustaceans that get stirred up.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's premier inshore gamefish, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. Around Anna Maria Island, you'll find them in mangrove shorelines, dock lights, and passes where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during moving water around dawn and dusk. These fish fight smart - strong initial runs followed by head-shaking jumps near structure. What guests love is the variety of techniques that work: live shrimp, pinfish, topwater plugs, or soft plastics all produce. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The tricky part is they're incredibly structure-oriented and will cut you off in mangrove roots or dock pilings in a heartbeat. My go-to tip: when fishing around docks at night, cast well past the light and work your bait back through the shadow line where they stage to feed.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the Gulf's ultimate gamefish - silver kings that average 80-150 pounds and can reach 8 feet long. Around Anna Maria Island, we find them in 20-60 feet of water from May through August, often rolling on the surface in massive schools. What makes tarpon special is their aerial show - these fish can jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked. The fight combines raw power with acrobatics that'll test any angler's skill. We typically fish live crabs, pinfish, or mullet on circle hooks. While they're not great eating due to their bony meat, the experience is purely about the challenge and photo opportunity. The key is keeping steady pressure without overplaying them since they tire easily in warm water. Local tip: when you see them rolling, don't cast right at the school - lead them by 50 feet and let your bait sink as they approach. Patience pays off with these giants.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Andrew was GREAT… we booked a tarpon trip and although we only caught one, it was so worth it! What an Amazing experience…...
My previous charter got cancelled due to the weather earlier on in the week. Came across Andrew and decided to book very last minu...
our trip started at 8:00 and we were catching fish by 8:08. 6 hour trip and were catching fish at nearly every spot. he hussled to...
We are experience fisherman and would recommend Captain Andrew if You want to have a nice time and catch fish 🐟 He won't waste Yo...
Anna Maria Island